Following two years of pandemic cancelations, the Somm Slam (“You eat. You drink. YOU choose the champion.”) is back for its 4th edition at Louvino Douglass Hills on Monday, April 25.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for champagne and passed hor d’oeuvres, with dinner beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m.

Somm Slam works like this: Eight of Louisville’s  top sommeliers compete against each other in a “dueling dinner.” Each course will be paired with two wines selected by two competing sommeliers. Guests will vote to decide the best pairing of the night, and the best pairing will be crowned the 2022 champion.

Best of all, a portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit APRON Inc.

Following is the 4th Annual Somm Slam Menu. Tavis Rockwell, Culinary Director of Louvino and Endeavor Restaurant Group, will again be coordinating the event.

Participating Chefs AND Courses

    • Course 1: Tyler Adams, Sous Chef Louvino Douglass Hills
      Herbed Blueberry Brie Bites – brie cheese, herbed blueberry jam, puff pastry, lemon honey drizzle, spiced apple chip
    • Course 2: Jackson Skelton, Executive Chef Louvino Douglass Hills
      Burgoo – smoked chicken, pork, lamb, Lima beans, sorghum cornbread fritters
    • Course 3: Alex Parker, Executive Chef Louvino Highlands
      Duo of Lamb – grilled lamb loin, lamb stuffed swiss chard, pea purée, butter braised peas, potato pavè, lamb demi glace, puffed sorghum
    • Course 4: Nikki Estrada, Sous Chef Louvino Highlands
      Black Forest Meringue Cake – chocolate meringue cookies, cherry, cherry sauce, chocolate whipped cream, shaved chocolate, powdered sugar

Participating Sommeliers

  1. Julie DeFriend with Skurnik Wines & Spirits, Advanced Sommelier (2019 champion)
  2. Danni Greeson-Bramblett, Certified Sommelier (2017 champion)
  3. Aaron Wilson with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Advanced Sommelier
  4. Davy Butterworth with Decca Restaurant, Certified Sommelier
  5. Jonathan Kiviniemi with River City Distributing, Certified Sommelier
  6. Gracie Peter with Louvino/Endeavor Restaurant Group, Certified Sommelier
  7. Joe Leftin with Cutting Edge Selections, Certified Sommelier
  8. Andy Friedrich with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Certified

Cost is $125 per person, including all food and beverages served. Tax and gratuity not included. $20 deposit required upon booking.

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